Tree of Life
Cocos nucifra or coconut is known in some countries as the tree of life. Most of us use the humble coconut in our diets, but how many of us know the healing benefits of coconut water and coconut oil.
Coconut water is a wonder drink already packaged for us by nature. It cleanses our kidneys and our digestive tract and is excellent for athletes. Because of its high electrolytes and enzymes content, it is also good after intestinal upsets. In fact, it contains the same electrolyte balance as our blood, making it an excellent blood builder. It is full of nutrients, calcium, potassium, iron and vitamins C and B. It is also the perfect natural low calorie drink – one 8oz glass contains less than 50 calories.
The Coconut Industry Board recently published information on the benefits of both the coconut water and the virgin coconut oil. However, for those of us who may have missed the article, I would like to reconfirm and add some of the external benefits of using virgin cold pressed coconut oil.
Virgin cold pressed coconut oil is excellent for our bodies both internally and externally. It is the best oil to use when cooking. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a medium chain fatty acid and is similar to the fats found in breast milk that confers immunity to babies. Some hospitals add the oil to baby formula for newborns as the fatty acids nourish babies and boost their health by supporting their immune system protecting them from bacteria and virus.
Amazingly, coconut oil is one of the world’s only natural, low-calorie fats. It also satisfies hunger better than any other fat so you are less likely to feel hungry between meals. It raises our metabolism to a higher level thus increasing the consumption of calories leaving fewer calories, to be converted to fat in our bodies. Unlike other oils that use bile and pancreatic enzymes, virgin coconut oil goes rapidly to our liver and is converted to energy.
Externally, coconut oil has many healing properties. The small molecular structure of virgin coconut oil makes it easy for our skin to absorb and its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties make it excellent for many skin conditions such as yeast and fungal infections, eczema and psoriasis. A blend of coconut oil and garlic used on your feet at night will help clear up athlete’s foot. Coconut oil is recommended for your body odour and can be used under arm as a natural deodorant. For warts, simply cover the wart in a coconut oil saturated band aid. Do this several times a day until the wart disappears.
Babies can benefit from the use of this natural healing oil for general skin care and especially for diaper rash, cradle cap and dermatitis. It can be used in our ears in cases of infection or insect bites – just rub the affected area to help relieve itching and prevent infection.
Pure virgin coconut oil, rich in vitamin E, is an excellent face moisturiser even for acne skin as it doesn’t clog the pores. Many people have reported decrease in acne symptoms when using coconut oil both internally and externally. It makes a gentle eye make-up remover and is reputed to help us grow strong healthy eyelashes and eyebrows.
When we bathe or shower, soap washes off the protective layer of natural body oil and the natural acid pH of our skin leaving our skin tight and dry; hence, we tend to slather our bodies in creams and moisturisers. In these hot summer months we tend to bathe more frequently leaving our skin vulnerable to infection. By using virgin coconut oil we can quickly establish our normal acid barrier as the oil is easily and rapidly absorbed. Keep a bottle by your shower so you can nourish your skin from head to toe after your bath. The oil helps to produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun and acts as natural U V protection.
Spa Elder Tip
Virgin coconut oil is one of the best oils to use for massage, as it softens and nourishes, helping to prevent age spots and saggy skin.
Stella Gray is the Spa Elder at Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, with over 35 years in the spa industry. She can be reached at ferntree@halfmoon.com.
